Too Much, Too Fast. Ever felt that way?
Actually, I’m more likely to be found murmuring about how slow progress seems.
The only thing that seems too fast is the constant flow of information and ideas that stream from computer devices to our brains every day. So much, so fast that it can be a real distraction. Or how about the way time flies – that’s fast! I blinked and my children were grown.
But when it comes to progress… not so fast. Have you ever taken a giant leap that propelled you into success and growth so staggering you longed for a simpler time?
Then I need your autograph. Because that’s not my experience.
In my world, progress is more like climbing a mountain rather than strapping on a jet pack.
Take weight loss as one example. It’s possible to gain 2-3 pounds over 12 months and 5 years later wonder how the extra 15 pounds landed in your lap. (Now this is really sounding familiar. *Grin*)
Okay, that’s me. But then when I want to lose it, I get frustrated when it slowly comes off 1 pound at a time, with weeks and weeks of effort. Hey- I want to lose 15 pounds in a month, like the magical commercials promise. But the real deal takes discipline and effort and doesn’t produce instant results.
What about building a business? A ministry? A legacy? What about building a life?
I’ve always been rather fond of the tale of the tortoise and the hare. The moral of the story being that “Slow and steady wins the race.”
Overnight success stories seem enticing but when you dig a little deeper, there’s cause for concern. Take the history of lottery winners. The National Endowment for Financial Education estimates that as many as 70% of Americans who experience a sudden windfall will lose that money within a few years. As a whole, their stories are rather sad.
The truth is, the journey is all about process. Process, by definition, means “a continuous action, operation or series of changes taking place in a definite manner.” It takes perseverance to continue on.
Haven’t mastered social media yet? Press on.
Haven’t made it onto the first page of Google for searches in your area of expertise? Press on.
Haven’t hit your target income yet? Press on.
Haven’t experienced ideal communication in key relationships yet? Press on.
Haven’t seen the manifestation of your dreams yet? Press on.
The most important question to ask is not “What am I getting?” The most important question to ask is “What am I becoming?”
Most success requires the fortitude of an endurance runner rather than a sprinter.
So pace yourself. It doesn’t have to all get done this week. But run with confidence, finding joy in the journey.
Embrace the process.
Slow and steady wins the race. 